Rachel Moore – Executive Director, American Ballet Theater

By Danielle V. Jackson

Even with full-length performances of classic ballets like Swan Lake and Romeo and Juliet in Washington, D.C., Detroit, Canada and London this year, the American Ballet Theater (ABT) is cutting internal costs like everyone else. But Rachel Moore says she’s not sacrificing quality for savings. The former ballerina turned business guru (and the company’s executive director) is keeping the organization alive during difficult times. And the company is getting more innovative, expanding its target audience. She’s remarketing ballets for families and a young adult demographic and is reaching out to support women. ABT recently launched Voices and Visions: The Altria/ABT Women’s Choreography Project, a three-year program to identify and support women choreographers – “who are often under-represented,” Moore says.

Here she shares what she’s learned from the wings.

PINK: What has been the biggest career lesson you’ve had to learn?
Rachel Moore: I didn’t listen when I should have because I thought I knew the answers. People need to know that this new direction is based on an appreciation of the work in the past. I have learned to listen to the frontline people. It takes time and patience, but you never want to just listen to people who agree with you. You want the complete picture of reality. It can be uncomfortable, but ultimately it will make you better. In the end, you don’t want to replicate the past mistakes. If you listen, people will be more accepting of change.

PINK: How do you balance work and life?
R.M.: I try to leave the perils of work at work. I schedule some nonwork time with my family and friends and do my very best to live in the moment. You have to be able to have real time for friends and family [she’s married with two dogs and a cat]. and not get so caught up in work that you forget about that side. I also make my health a priority by monitoring what I eat. I try not to reach for that cookie when I’m stressed and maintain healthy eating habits. A lack of balance creates more stress, and a better personal life creates a better work life.